City staff have recommended the permanent closure of Gould Street, which runs through Ryerson University near Yonge and Dundas and is being transformed into a pedestrian thoroughfare for students and school staff.

The road will be sealed off to vehicle traffic pending approval at a January 10 meeting of the Toronto and East York Community Council.

The move comes on the heels of a one-year test closing of the street, as well as a section of Victoria Street. The test closing began in September 2010, and was extended for the fall semester by the community council pending a permanent resolution.

Related

The closed portion of the street now features seating areas, potted plants and allows for more pedestrian traffic. The test closing was approved after a campaign by the Ryerson Students Union asking for more usable space on campus. The freed-up space has been used for a weekly farmers market, student group sign-up days and festivities associated with Ryerson’s week of welcome.

The city will also pass all maintenance costs associated with Gould St., including snow removal, landscaping and litter collection, to Ryerson. The street will remain in the city’s possession.
National Post